Nessa Barrett Wouldn't Mind You Telling One Last Sweet "lie"


Photo: Colin Miller

Nessa Barrett delivers yet again in her latest single, "lie." Introspective and personal, the track showcases the songstress' softer, more vulnerable side, with its narrator reminiscing over a failed relationship and hoping that her ex never feels love truly for anyone else but her.

"lie" holds back no emotional punches, starting with the line, "The hardest pill to swallow is knowing that tomorrow you're not mine." Over ethereal drumming and a sparse piano arrangement, she admits that although she's filled with longing, she's grateful, and "If I don't get to have you, thank god our matching tattoos last for life."

In the chorus, Barrett comes to terms with her lover moving on, singing, "You can kiss her softly, never make her cry," and even says that her ex can tell his new lover that he loves her "as long as it's a lie." Bittersweet and lovelorn, the single underlines the breakout star's unfiltered, authentic approach to songwriting and showcases her ability to be an artist who contains multitudes.

While discussing the inspiration for the track, Barrett reveals that the song is "about accepting that sometimes even though you want something, it's not always meant to be." Ultimately, she hopes it will be a source of comfort. "I hope people who listen to this feel an emotion that is hard for us to accept but need to in order to live a fulfilling life."

The music video is a retro-inspired visual that takes place in an Elvis-officiated chapel. Barrett steps out of her car and makes her way in to ready herself for the ceremony, only for viewers to find out that she's not the one getting married but her former lover to another. She sits in the back as wedding guests celebrate the couple's nuptials, with the video then fast forwarding to the reception where she performs as the wedding singer. With lovelorn glances, the former couple part ways, leaving Barrett alone on the curb as the newlyweds head off to their honeymoon on a motorcycle with only "Elvis" to comfort her.

"lie" arrives hot on the heels of recent singles "american jesus" and "BANG BANG!" the former of which highlights her deliciously devious brand of pop while exploring themes of longing and desire.

Watch the "lie" video below:


Related Articles

Kevin Atwater Puts His Spin on Troye Sivan’s “My My My!”

Kevin Atwater Puts His Spin on Troye Sivan’s “My My My!”

June 13, 2025 Paying tribute to one of the iconic male queer artists that came before him, Atwater accesses a different side of this beloved song.
Author: Rebeccah Blau
pop
Dora Jar Lets Go of Feeling Lost in “The Explorer”

Dora Jar Lets Go of Feeling Lost in “The Explorer”

June 13, 2025 The track is both deeply personal and universally comforting, allowing Dora to effortlessly pull listeners into her ethereal universe of quiet introspection.
Author: Chancey Stefanos
pop
Rising Pop Icon Rose Gray Makes Her US Debut and Teases “Louder, Please” Deluxe [Q&A]

Rising Pop Icon Rose Gray Makes Her US Debut and Teases “Louder, Please” Deluxe [Q&A]

June 10, 2025 We chatted with the rising star about her American debut at Pride before her set, which attracted a crowd of excited festival-goers prepared to get “Wet & Wild” and dance the day away.
Author: Giselle Libby
pop
q&a